Yahoo Messenger is a free service that allows you to see when friends come online and to send them instant messages. It also can alert you to new e-mail in your Yahoo Mail or Yahoo Personals accounts, or when you have upcoming events recorded in your Yahoo Calendar. Yahoo Messenger offers firewall support, a standby mode that minimizes the program until an Internet connection is made, the ability to save and print your conversations, and a tabbed interface that provides quick access to your favorite stocks, news, and sports scores.
Other features include the ability to create a chat room automatically, stock price alerts, the ability to send messages to friends (even if they're not online when you are), a Quick Compact mode that hides the Messenger tools to maximize your viewing area, Messenger Themes, and voice chat, which allows you to talk for free to anybody else on the Internet. It also includes Launchcast Radio, Yahoo Games, and Yahoo Audibles. Using a Webcam, you can see who you're chatting with or view the Webcam of any Yahoo member who has granted you access.

As one of the original messenger tools, users have come to expect a lot from Yahoo! Messenger. In response to user demands, YahooвЂ™s Messenger just keeps getting better. Users new to Yahoo! Messenger will find this program user-friendly and concise. Experienced Yahoo! Messenger users will discover new things about the tried and true program including an innovative URL exploration tool.

Sending another user a URL via Yahoo! Messenger no longer requires opening a new browser window. Yahoo! Messenger now allows users to view videos and images directly inside of a Yahoo! Messenger chat window. Messenger also includes drag-and-drop options and contact importation. Yahoo has also spruced up MessengerвЂ™s design by adding new skin options and a buddy list that makes viewer another userвЂ™s complete status easier. Installing Yahoo! Messenger is easy to do, though users should be aware that the download includes a Yahoo Toolbar. This Toolbar can be eliminated through custom installation selections.

Aside from the fact that Yahoo will install a toolbar if users are not careful, Yahoo! Messenger is a great way to communicate with family and friends. Yahoo consistently updates Messenger making this tool one of the best in its class. Rich in color, emoticons, and features, Yahoo! Messenger is a recommended instant messaging tool. Yahoo! Messenger is free for all individuals.